You're beautiful, just like your momma
- Allison
- Jul 17, 2021
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 4, 2021
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When my younger sister was a senior in high school she was an overachiever. I don't say that as a slight. She was an excellent student, worked hard, and achieved high marks. Every year at our high school the administration holds an "Award's Day" to showcase seniors and their accomplishments. At my younger sister's Award's Day my daddy attended (my momma was unable to leave her own class that day but we took lots of pictures) and I took a long lunch to attend myself. I was still living in the same town they lived in and was happy to be able to go and support my sister at my alma mater.
The three of us in May 2007. Daddy had to chaperone
the prom at his school. We went with him.
As our maiden name is in the first half of the alphabet and I only had a long lunch I could be there, after my sister was recognized for her scholarships and achievements and contributions to the school and her class, I had to slip out and return to work. It sucked, but you do what you gotta do, ya know?
At the time I was an office manager for a prosthetics company. We had several branches, including the one in our town. We wore business casual dress. I can't remember exactly what I had on that day, but I know it was a collared button down of some kind, a sensible skirt, and heels. I am sure I wore simple earrings and a watch. I know my hair was curled as I rarely didn't use my hot rollers in those days, no matter what the humidity was. I am 5' 6", an inch or two taller in heels. So by slipping out I was a little more conspicuous than I wanted to be.
Business casual 2009... Crappy cell phone photo and all
As I slipped out of the aisle in the large auditorium next to my daddy, I turned to walk up the aisle. I walked as quickly but quietly as possible in my heels, and tried not to draw attention to myself. As I traversed the uphill aisle I noticed an older gentleman watching me wearing a school identification badge. I assumed it was an old teacher of mine, as I had been a student there a decade before. The closer I drew to the top of the aisle (the seats were sloped down, like most auditoriums) the gentleman stepped out in my path. I stopped short in front of him and waited a moment for him to tell me whatever it was that was on his mind.
Mom
Photo credit B. Bryant
What I heard was not what I expected. "You're beautiful, just like your mother."
I smiled politely and began using my context clues. When I was three we had lived on campus at a local, private Christian school where both my parents were on staff. I knew it had to be someone that had known my mother when she was younger to give him the reference he saw. I glanced down at his badge. His last name was familiar. It took me a moment and realized he and his then wife had also been in campus housing when I was young.
I called his name and told him what a lovely compliment to receive. I have always thought my mother beautiful, and not just in her physical appearance. I also think she is kind, loving, and understanding. He told me he was happy to see me and also proud of my sister as we were. It had been totally random but was one of those things that make a small town charming. People know you, they remember you, and they are usually happy for you. There is a calm familiarity about it all.
Younger sister and our youngest at her graduation
What is one of the kindest compliments you have received? Why was it so kind?
If you want to see a sample of my business casual wear, you can see my list here:
Be well, y'all.
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